Paul McCartney Turns Lights Out in Ed Sullivan Theater for Colbert Finale
Variety • • general
Key Points:
- Paul McCartney was the surprise final guest on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” performing the Beatles’ “Hello Goodbye” and ceremonially turning off the lights at the Ed Sullivan Theater, a venue with deep historical significance for him and the Beatles.
- McCartney reminisced about the Beatles’ first visit to the theater 62 years ago, recalling their nervous excitement and the show’s pivotal role in launching Beatlemania, which was watched by 73 million viewers in 1964.
- The final episode featured multiple celebrity cameos and musical performances, including a rare song by Elvis Costello, with Colbert avoiding political commentary to end the show on a lighter note.
- The Ed Sullivan Theater, which has a rich history dating back to 1927 and was the longtime home of Ed Sullivan’s show, may face an uncertain future as CBS no longer has a late-night franchise requiring the space.
- McCartney’s appearance marked a full-circle moment, as he has returned to the theater several times over the decades, including performances and interviews on shows hosted by David Letterman and Colbert.